New Jersey Nursing Salary Guide

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are an important part of the healthcare workforce, helping patients with daily needs and providing support to nurses and other medical staff. In New Jersey, CNAs earn an average annual salary of approximately $44,480, which breaks down to about $21.38 per hour.

Several factors can influence how much a CNA earns. Pay often varies by type of employer, with hospitals and government facilities typically offering higher wages than nursing homes or home health organizations. Location also plays a role, with salaries tending to be higher in metropolitan areas where healthcare demand is greater. Experience matters too, as more seasoned CNAs may receive higher pay and more opportunities for advancement.

Many individuals begin their healthcare careers as CNAs and later pursue additional education to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs). Moving into a more advanced role not only increases earning potential but also opens the door to more specialized responsibilities and long-term career growth.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), also referred to as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in some states, provide hands-on clinical care under the direction of physicians and Registered Nurses. In New Jersey, LPNs earn an average annual salary of approximately $71,300, which equals about $34.28 per hour.

Salaries can vary depending on experience level and work setting. Entry-level LPNs may earn below the state average, while those with more years in the field often see increased pay. Job setting also plays a role, as LPNs employed by hospitals and outpatient clinics typically earn more than those working in long-term care facilities or home-based care.

For LPNs interested in expanding their career options, many pursue LPN-to-RN bridge programs. These programs offer a pathway to licensure as a Registered Nurse, which can bring higher pay and access to a broader range of job opportunities. Earning specialty certifications may also help boost long-term earning potential.

Registered Nurses (RNs) in New Jersey support patient care in a variety of clinical settings, from managing treatment plans and administering medications to collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals. The average salary for an RN in New Jersey is approximately $106,990, per year, which breaks down to about $51.44 per hour. Actual pay can vary depending on education, experience, and clinical focus.

RNs early in their careers typically earn less than those with several years of experience. Education also influences salary. Nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) often earn more than those with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), particularly when applying for specialty positions or leadership roles. In New Jersey, higher-paying RN jobs are often found in surgical units, intensive care, emergency departments, and labor and delivery.

Location is another important factor. RNs working in larger cities or healthcare systems may see higher wages compared to those in smaller communities. Additional certifications or ongoing education can lead to advancement opportunities and increased earning potential over time.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in New Jersey typically earn higher salaries than other nursing professionals due to their advanced education, specialized training, and the increased scope of care they provide. These roles often involve greater clinical responsibility and more independent decision-making in both primary and specialty care settings.

Salaries for APRNs can vary widely based on factors such as area of specialization, experience level, type of employer, and geographic location. Whether working in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or private practices, APRNs are in strong demand throughout the state and are well-positioned for long-term career growth.

Certified Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Certified Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in New Jersey earn an average annual salary of approximately $140,470, which comes out to about $67.54 per hour. Actual wages can vary depending on the area of specialization, years of experience, and work setting.

Specialty focus plays a key role in determining salary. Nurse Practitioners who work in fields such as family medicine, acute care, or psychiatric mental health may see different earning potential based on demand and scope of practice. In many cases, providers in mental health and acute care settings tend to earn more due to the complexity of care involved.

Geographic location is another important factor. NPs practicing in rural areas may receive higher compensation or added incentives to help address provider shortages, while those working in more populated regions may benefit from access to larger health systems. Board certification, additional training, and years of clinical experience can also contribute to higher earnings and expanded career opportunities over time.

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) provide care throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, along with a range of reproductive and primary care services. In New Jersey, CNMs earn an average salary of approximately $138,980 per year, which equals about $66.82 per hour. Salaries can vary depending on setting, demand, and professional background.

Midwives working in hospital environments often receive higher pay than those in private practices or birthing centers, especially when caring for larger patient populations. Regional differences in access to maternal care can also influence compensation, with certain areas offering increased pay to attract experienced providers.

Earnings typically rise with experience. CNMs who have been in practice longer or who pursue additional responsibilities may earn above the average. Specializing in complex cases or offering expanded services can also contribute to higher wages and broader career opportunities.

Nursing salaries throughout New Jersey can vary by region, with differences shaped by local demand, cost of living, and the types of healthcare employers in each area. Larger cities may offer higher pay to remain competitive in staffing, while rural areas sometimes include incentives to help fill essential roles.

Below, we’ve listed the average annual salaries for each role in selected major New Jersey metropolitan areas based on the most recent data currently available (May 2024).

*Data used in this table is based on the annual mean wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Query System.

While nursing salaries vary throughout New Jersey, some cities consistently rank among the highest due to stronger compensation packages and increased earning potential across nursing roles. These locations often feature large healthcare systems, access to specialized services, or serve as regional care centers, all of which contribute to higher pay for nursing professionals.

Below are the highest-paying cities and metropolitan areas in New Jersey, based on the most recent data currently available (May 2024).

Certified Nursing Assistant

• Vineland, NJ: $44,900
• Trenton-Princeton, NJ: $44,020
• Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ: $40,550

Licensed Practical Nurse

• Trenton-Princeton, NJ: $71,160
• Vineland, NJ: $65,360
• Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ: $65,070

Registered Nurse

• Trenton-Princeton, NJ: $101,570
• Vineland, NJ: $98,500
• Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ: $96,560

*Data used in this section is based on the annual mean wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Query System.

With a projected nursing shortage that will be one of the highest in the nation by 2030, the Garden State offers a strong demand for aspiring nursing professionals to find their calling.

According to long-term employment projection data published by the Projections Managing Partnership (PMP), employment of Registered Nurses in New Jersey is expected to increase by 6.3% by 2032. This projected growth reflects ongoing efforts to improve access to care and address staffing needs across hospitals, clinics, and home health services.

Nurses with expertise in high-need areas such as geriatrics, behavioral health, and chronic disease management may see greater job prospects. As telehealth becomes more integrated into patient care, roles involving remote monitoring, virtual care coordination, and patient education are also expanding, offering new career pathways for nurses throughout New Jersey.

While salary is a key factor, nurses in New Jersey often receive a variety of additional benefits that contribute to overall job satisfaction and long-term compensation. These benefits can vary by employer and role, but frequently include health coverage, paid time off, and retirement savings options.

In many cases, healthcare employers in New Jersey may also offer:

• Sign-on bonuses to support recruitment efforts
• Tuition reimbursement or assistance for ongoing education
• Loan repayment programs for nurses serving in shortage areas
• Relocation assistance for those moving to take a new position
• Flexible schedules and added pay for night, weekend, or holiday shifts

State-supported programs may provide additional incentives for nurses working in rural or underserved regions. These may include loan repayment support or scholarship-for-service opportunities tied to service commitments. Together, these benefits enhance the value of a nursing career in New Jersey and help support those entering or advancing within the profession.

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